NAS is a network of scholars and citizens united by our commitment to academic freedom, disinterested scholarship, and excellence in American higher education. Membership in NAS is open to all who share our commitment to these broad principles. We publish a journal and have state and regional affiliates.

Our Mission

The National Association of Scholars is an independent membership association of academics and others working to foster intellectual freedom and to sustain the tradition of reasoned scholarship and civil debate in America’s colleges and universities. The NAS advocates for excellence by encouraging commitment to high intellectual standards, individual merit, institutional integrity, good governance, and sound public policy.

 

What We Do

JOURNAL

We publish a quarterly journal, Academic Questions, which explores the vices and virtues of the contemporary university. Issues are often themed and include scholarly articles, book reviews, poetry, and items of academic interest. A subscription to Academic Questions is included in NAS membership. Read More

REPORTS

We regularly publish studies that examine curricula and other aspects of higher education policy and practice. These studies document trends in contemporary academia. They aim to stimulate improvements to the quality of education in our colleges and universities.

COMMENTARY

NAS’s website presents daily opinion and commentary on developments and trends in higher education. A high-traffic destination linked by major online publications, NAS.org publishes substantial op-ed style articles by guest authors and NAS staff, along with debates, videos, news roundups, and brief remarks on controversies and trends.

ADVOCACY

NAS and our members are involved in efforts to pass legislation for true and salutary higher education reform. We file friend-of-the-court briefs in legal cases, defending freedom of speech and conscience, and the civil rights of educators and students alike. We give testimony before congressional and legislative committees and engage public support for worthy reforms.

MEETINGS

NAS holds national and regional meetings that focus on important issues and public policy debates in higher education today. At these meetings and conferences, those concerned about higher education convene to discuss issues of the moment, recognize individual achievements, and propose reforms.